Political intolerance in Nakuru ahead of party primaries and August elections

The environment, water and natural resources director Mureithi Kiogora show his tone pair of shirt that was tored by a group of irate youths who attcaked him in a night club in Nakuru over what is siuspected to be political difference. APRIL 3, 2017. PHOTO BY MERCY KAHENDA

Incidents of political intolerance have increased in Nakuru County ahead of party nominations.

Mureithi Kiogora, the director in charge of the environment in Nakuru County, was attacked by a group of around 20 youths at the weekend as he left a popular entertainment joint in Nakuru town.

He sustained neck injuries and reported the incident at the Nakuru Central Police Station (OB number 84/2/4/2017).

Narrating his ordeal to The Standard at his house in Section 58 estate, the official claimed his assailants were members of a group of criminals who attack individuals who seem to have a different political opinion.

According to him, the youth might have attacked him following a social media posting in which he applauded a political aspirant eyeing the Nakuru Town East parliamentary seat.

In another incident, Mosop Member of County Assembly (MCA) Mwaura Njenga was allegedly threatened on the phone and later insulted on a social platform at the weekend.

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Njenga said he received a phone call from a Rongai parliamentary aspirant on Friday who accused him of removing his campaign posters.

“The aspirant said I had removed his posters erected in Rongai. I also received another phone from his supporter who said ‘atanimaliza’ (he would finish me),” said the MCA. He recorded a statement at Menengai Police Station (OB14/4/2017), a report that was confirmed by Rongai OCPD Joseph Kioko.

Separately, Hezron Manyara, an inspiring MCA for Biashara Ward, was also attacked by a group of criminals.

Mr Manyara suffered head injuries and a broken rib.

He recorded the incident at the Central Police Station - OB No. OB/4/9/2/17. He was allegedly attacked at midnight by three people who were well known to him.

The driver of Nakuru Town West MP David Gikaria was assaulted in February.